US men's gymnastics: Orozco edges Leyva for American title

ST. LOUIS — John Orozco rallied to win the U.S. men’s gymnastics championships on Saturday, edging defending champion Danell Leyva on the last rotation to give the Americans a potent one-two punch at next month’s London Olympics.

The 19-year-old from the Bronx trailed Leyva by two points with two events to go before putting together a pair of spectacular routines on high bar and floor exercise to lift the three-time U.S. junior champion to victory.

Orozco finished with a two-round total of 184.850, barely ahead of Leyva’s 184.800.

Leyva and Orozco can book their flights across the Atlantic as the leaders of perhaps the deepest American team since 1984.

Sam Mikulak, Jonathan Horton, Jake Dalton and Chris Brooks also secured automatic bids to the Olympic trials in three weeks.

Brandon Wynn, Paul Ruggeri, David Sender and Alex Buscaglia were awarded trial spots based on a points system developed by USA Gymnastics officials.

The five remaining trial berths will come by invitation from the selection committee.

Orozco led throughout the opening round on Thursday before Leyva slid past him with a thrilling parallel bars routine in the waning moments to take a 0.05 lead into the finals.

Leyva’s advantage blossomed to 2.05 points through the first four events on Saturday, buoyed by electric performances on parallel bars and high bar.

The routines were dramatic and daring.

Orozco lacked Levya’s flair but made up for it with quiet elegance and precision.